The dreams of a young Grimsby boy who has been "through some difficult times" came true last night after meeting his "hero" Professor Green after his performance in Cleethorpes.

Ryley Bell, 10, met the UK hip hop icon, who he credits with getting him through some of the darkest times in his life, as he left the Sounds of the Summer concert at the Meridian Showground, stopping for a chat and a picture.

Ryley's mother Nicole Bell, has said that she was completely taken back by "how much of a genuine person and true gentleman" the star was, saying that her son was excited and happy after meeting his idol that he could barely sleep that night.

The young boy has been a huge fan of Professor Green since he was around three years old, and listens to his music whenever he gets the chance, and even had to have his music blasting at a recent hospital appointment when he required an MRI scan.

Nicole said: "Ryley has been a huge fan ever since he was three, Professor Green was the first ever artist that he took to, and fell in love with the song he did with Lilly Allen, 'Just be good to green'.

"My son has been through some dark and difficult times in his life, and Professor Green's music has been something that has really helped him through them.

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"He usually never talks to much about those times, and I was shocked when he told him 'you music has really helped me', it was almost heartbreaking, but he was such a gentleman, and sat and spoke with Ryley for about 15 minutes, gave him a hug, and I don't think anyone else has got as good a picture with him."

Nicole and Ryley had decided not to go to the concert, as Ryley wasn't that big a fan of the other acts, and they sat nearby along the banks at the beach, listening to the artist as he played, and shouting and waving whenever they managed to catch a glimpse of him.

Ryley, who's favourite tracks are Monster, Back on the Market, Vegas Girl, Just be Good to Green and Inconvenience, was overjoyed that his hero took the time to speak with him and has even started liking the posts that they have shared on social media.

He said: "We noticed that his car was leaving after his performance, so my mum and I went down and i put my hand out thinking that he wasn't going to stop, but it was amazing that he did.

"He took some selfies with people, but he actually had a proper conversation with me, and I told him how much his music has meant to me and how much it has helped me over the years, and he was just fantastic.

Professor Green performing at Sounds of the Summer

"I don't know why I like him so much, I just think it's great and I am technically addicted to his music.

"He really didn't have to stop and speak with me, and it is amazing that he did, and then liked my posts on Instagram straight away, he is just brilliant."

Nicole, who is also a big fan of the rapper herself, just wanted people to know how much respect she had for the man who has "made her sons dreams come true."

"You often hear horrible stories about people meeting their idles, and the fact that Professor Green took the time to speak to my son, and was an absolute gentleman is terrific, he has really made his dreams come true, and I just want to say a big massive thank you to him."